| Coal |
The best all around fuel for blacksmithing is soft coal. I buy mine in the Shenandoah Vally in Virginia. I try to get the coal in pea gravel size or a little larger. About the size of a marble. If this is not possible, the larger chunks should be broken up prior to using them. |
|---|
| Wood |
I have used hardwood for light forging duties. The best wood I've found to use is locust. It burns fairly hot. Green black gum also works nice. One problem with wood is that the ashes are always being blown about by the air blast. It also burns fast. |
|---|
| Charcoal |
Store bought "cookout" charcoal can also be used for light forging. Again the air blast tends to blow the ashes around.
I make my own charcoal by distilling wood. I place small chucks of wood no bigger than 1/2 a corn cob in a 5 gallon metal paint can whose lid has two holes punched through it. I then place the can over a fire and "cook" it for about 4 hours or until no more flames come out the holes in the lid (See below). I use pine wood to cook it. This charcoal burns hot and fast and leaves no clinkers. Charcoal can also be made by building a fire on the ground and then when it is going good, flip a metal wheelbarrow over the fire and seal the edges of the wheelbarrow with dirt. Come back the next day and separate the charcoal from unburnt wood and ashes. |
|---|
